Sunday, May 20, 2007

Lots of moves

Let's start with congratulations to Brian Horwitz. The right fielder has been called up to Triple-A Fresno.

Replacing Horwitz is second baseman Eugenio Velez. Velez was expected to start the year in Norwich, but a spring colission with Nate Schierholtz led to Velez needing time to recover from his injuries and landed him in extended spring training.

Velez put up some gaudy numbers in Augusta last year: .315 avg., 145 hits, 29 2B, 20 3B, 14 HR, 90 RBI and 64 SB.

Velez is starting today with Jake Wald at third. It will be interesting to see how playing time is divided between Wald and Simon Klink. I expect another move to resolve this logjam.

The other move of note, is if you noticed Alex Hinshaw started Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Rock Cats. He is replacing Ben Cox in the rotation. Cox is going to the bullpen, a place he had spent his entire career before 2007.

2 comments:

thehondohurricane said...

Joe, I'm a little confused about the Defs infield. Why was Minicozzi installed at short when he arrived? From what I can find out about him, he was listed as a third baseman. Is this a directive from the Giants (a developmental issue)? Seems to me the team is better off with Jake at short. As far as Klink goes, his play at third has been good, but he has looked overmatched by EL pitching. Lots of K's, but then again, this team specializes in K's.

Thanks,

Skip

Joe said...

Skip,

The Giants are high on Minicozzi and feel that SS is his best chance to make an impact. His play hasn't been bad. Do I think Jake is better right now? Sure. But all indications are that Jake may not be in the team's long-term plans. Machemer told me today that Klink and Wald will essentially platoon, one playing against righties and the other against lefties. Wald also gives the Defenders the ability to rest just aboput anyone in the infield.

My guess? Wald's play and ability to play three positions makes him more attractive to other teams. I just don't know how long the utility role works. I'm sure with the five-gamer series with Trenton coming up, it will work nicely at least through the next homestand.